Job Titles

How are you surviving the heat? It’s definitely not my cup of tea! I’m relieved to be in the UK, where it’s a few degrees cooler.

While sipping a welcome cup of English tea at Heathrow Airport (best thing in hot weather!), I noticed a sign on the friendly chap cleaning the Arrivals Hall: “Hygiene Operative.” It made me smile—so much more important-sounding, which of course it is. They do an essential job!

But it made me wonder: do they earn more with the new title, or have we just polished the job name while leaving the pay stuck in the past?

These days, job titles are getting glossier by the minute—a kind of rebranding. Here are just a few I’ve seen or heard recently:

1.           Hygiene Operative – cleaner

2.           Waste Management Technician – bin man

3.           Customer Experience Specialist – shop assistant

4.           Vision Clearance Engineer – window cleaner

5.           Knowledge Facilitator – teacher

6.           Media Distribution Officer – paperboy

7.           Interior Environmental Technician – caretaker

8.           Sandwich Artist – the hero of your lunchtime Subway

And yes—Knowledge Facilitator. That’s apparently me when I teach. It does sound better, I admit. I’ve never seen myself as the traditional teacher, chalk in hand, writing on a blackboard!

To be fair, I’m not against any of it. If a better title makes these important workers feel more respected, why not? But let’s hope their pay gets an upgrade too.

So, as my coach arrives, I raise my teacup to all the Hygiene Operatives out there. Whatever your title, you’re the real VIPs.

Have you come across any creative job titles lately—in English or your own language? I’d love to hear them!

Have a good week and stay cool – my best friend is my handheld fan – a fabulous idea!